warpath,
Not a stupid question at all. There is no difference between the two degrees, other than what they stand for.
For a more in-depth (yet brief) look at the degrees, go to
<a href="http://www.dental-site.itgo.com/westerndent1750.htm" target="_blank">http://www.dental-site.itgo.com/westerndent1750.htm</a>
Scroll down to the section on dentistry in the United States.